I just found out... One of the nurses I work with is

systoly · Feb 7, 2011

It doesn't have anything to do with how I work. I was just wanting to be informed.

So why did you throw in your religious believes instead of just asking what is it?

systoly · Feb 7, 2011

...As a wiccan (yes the initiated type) I can say I have never heard of wiccans, witches, pagans, etc. doing anything negative against Christians, mostly we stay quiet, because we are aware of the prejudice against us. Example: could you imagine a wiccan candidate ever winning a high public office? Also, we are everywhere. We are not the majority, such as Christians by any stretch of the imagination, but we are a rapidly growing minority. You meet us on a regular basis. You just don't know that you do.
I agree with JenniferSews, who pointed out the inflammatory skull and the "is it witchcraft" tone of your post. I hope this is not your attitude, that we 'read' the tone incorrectly. Because my first thought was:
"Wow if she's this judgmental, I would sure hate to be her patient. I couldn't trust her not to neglect or harm me, or my fellow pagans, with that attitude." Consciously disliking a group of people can translate into some very negative actions, whether consciously or not.
And if you are this judgmental, I gently suggest some serious thought about whether nursing to the general public is the right career choice for you. Working a church environment, where everyone is the same as you, may be better.
I do hope you follow up to your post. I am looking forward to a meaningful dialog.
Oh, to answer your original question: yes she is a witch. A wiccan is both a witch and a pagan. And that's okay. Really.

You just did do something negative...you told her she's not fit to be a nurse.

For a quiet one you make a lot of noise.

Meaningful dialog meaning you try to manipulate and contradict your self as in your previous post?

I don't know and don't care to know about wiccans, except, if you are representative then it certainly isn't okay, because you are left then you're right, you're hot then you're cold...

MollyLPN · Feb 8, 2011

I did say I don't think she would be a good nurse to a pagan patient...

....IF...(and notice the big qualifier)...

she had a negative attitude to towards pagans. I also didn't claim she did have a negative attitude, I don't know her. I also said that the tone or her original post could have been misread by me and another poster, but it did seem to be inflammatory. I did not attack her. I acknowledge the limitations of written words versus direct communication.

I would also say what I said to anyone who was a nurse who was anti-Semitic treating Jewish patients, a racist treating someone of the race they dislike, and so on. Those people would indeed be better off only working with those like them. So people who are overtly or covertly prejudiced can harm those they dislike, consciously or unconsciously.

Imagine this post..."I just found out my coworker is a Muslim! Could that mean she's a terrorist?" or

"I just found out my coworker is a Mormon! Could that mean she's in a poly marriage?" Complete with skull avatar, and the 'thumbs up' symbol next to announcing she's a Christian (hence implying the others are thumbs down).

I would have had a different tone with a regular avatar if the question was "My coworker is wiccan. I have never met one before. Can anyone tell me about the wiccan religion, as I'm Christian and I've never been exposed to this before. Also does being wiccan means she's a witch? I believe witches are (fill in the blanK) and do (fill in the blank). Am I correct?"

I agree with many of the posters on this thread, why even talk about a coworkers religion, except to perhaps rearrange schedules. I know I don't, as in a real sense it's none of my business.

So yeah. Go ahead and blast me, and call me a loud mouth, whatever. I respect your right to your opinion. I still stand behind my words.

MollyLPN · Feb 8, 2011

:yeah:Thank you for the information. I'm sorry if the skull offended you or anyone else, It was the only one I saw that I thought fit, I was looking for a cross, but there wasn't one. I will let you know how things go. I think it will be a while before we get to talk, because it takes me the whole shift and then some to get all my work done;).

That's cool, thank you for explaining and clarifying. The print media is indeed difficult at times to express thoughts the way we would like. It will be interesting if you get to talk to your co-worker.

systoly · Feb 10, 2011

Interesting indeed. Both were called on the carpet, one responded graciously, the other one not so much.

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Feb 10, 2011

Talking religious beliefs with co-workers is a dangerous path to follw. It can lead to some very bad places no matter how well intentioned you are.

BEWARE!:smokin:

mehitabela · Mar 10, 2011

I am also a Wiccan and I would definitely have no problem being approached...respectfully... By a coworker if their intent is curiosity. I am open about it where I work and have never had an issue. In fact when the holidays roll around I'm kind of poular:coollook: since I don't mind working on Christmas! Please don't judge us all on ANYONE'S hasty remarks ( including my own) because just like the rest of humanity, we come in a bunch of different flavors, communication styles, and intensities. That said; at work I am an R.N. first....Wiccan after:)

systoly · Mar 10, 2011

I am also a Wiccan and I would definitely have no problem being approached...respectfully... By a coworker if their intent is curiosity. I am open about it where I work and have never had an issue. In fact when the holidays roll around I'm kind of poular:coollook: since I don't mind working on Christmas! Please don't judge us all on ANYONE'S hasty remarks ( including my own) because just like the rest of humanity, we come in a bunch of different flavors, communication styles, and intensities. That said; at work I am an R.N. first....Wiccan after:)

Thank you for posting this. I love your consistency. You don't believe in Christmas so you don't mind working that day as I wouldn't mind filling in to ensure you can take one of your special days off.

LPNweezy · Mar 11, 2011

Wiccans are usually really nice people who appreciate mother nature and the power of herbs. They believe in the power of nature, and good and bad spirits. Im a paranormal expert with a lot of wiccan friends. what they stand for is really refreshing and nice. don't be pulled in to the bullcrud stereotype that wiccans worship satan, they don't.

and the 'witchcraft' aspect of it- They do rituals using herbs, like spells. they believe certain herbs symbolize certain things, as well as colors, animals etc. for example: lavender can be used in spells to help a person sleep.

LPNweezy · Mar 11, 2011

since you used the skull icon i thought the post was gonna be "I just found out... One of the nurses I work with is...DEAD." LOL just my dark sense of humor :jester:

CarolinaGirl1112 · Mar 12, 2011

You should ask her to show you the secret handshake :)

qaqueen · Mar 18, 2011

I am not Wiccan. I AM pagan. I do not sacrifice infants, self mutilate, or worship a devil (sorry, dont believe in a/the devil). I believe that healing is not always for the patient, sometimes it is for the ones left behind. I believe we should take care of the earth and each other. I do not behave in a certain way so that I may gain rewards in the next life. I do the best I can now, because it is the right thing to do.

If you want to know what your coworker believes, ask. If he/she does not want to discuss it, accept it. If you are still curious, educate yourself. 'Wicca' and 'Pagan' are both in Wikipedia as well as thousands of books.

The main thing is, just as you expect your beliefs to be respected, so should your coworkers. Part of being an adult and a professional is accepting others as they are.

Best regards,

qaqueen